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It is finally here! Our long awaited wedding and also prenup/pre-wedding photos.

finally here!

These are what we got from the package we chose of course. Save for the prenup prints those were wedding gifts (Thank you very much!) from our friends at RealityBox. -The bunny is not included, it is one of our home decor.

*This was by far the most time consuming review post I have made. -and I mean this in a good way. I have combed through 17gb of photos. That would be 1,141 prenup photos and a whooping 2,990 wedding photos and then choosing what to post here. Usually when I am choosing, I end up just viewing everything over and over and smiling all by myself like I am crazy. (this went on for about 10+ times, kaloka lang) So, that explains the long gap from my last post.

I sort of posted snippets of our wedding and prenup through photos. This time Im going to tell you about the wonderful photographers who took the photos. – or you could say team RealityBox.

I got to know RealityBox through a friend’s wedding. *We were still in the wedding preparations at that time.* I liked how they did the on the day avp and bugged Kei to call them. Little did I know Kei is actually close friends of the founding duo of RealityBox (Jeri and Harry) and that we are all churchmates.

*for those asking we are all Anglican-Episcopals*

with our church friends who also trusted RealityBox for their wedding.

Group photo (taken on the day of our wedding-on the reception venue) with Team RealityBox (first row) –we saw RealityBox’s works though our friends Charles and Diana’s wedding (2nd row, couple leftmost), then there was me and Kei in the middle (still in 2nd row-front and center), to the rightmost was Randy and Wency -another couple-our friends too, that also booked them for their wedding)

A few days after our friends wedding we met up with RealityBox team and told them that we wanted them for our own wedding. –I saw their work and I loved it! Saka, iba na yung tried and tested diba? Discussed about details and they emailed us their rates. A quick phone call and a meet up after, we are booked!

The next time we got to meet them would be to discuss/plan our prenup shoot. Instead of a whole day for prenup, I requested to get a two part half-day prenup. One in Salon De Ning of Manila Peninsula for our glam set and one laidback set in UST. –for the simple reason that I don’t want to look haggard on photos! Arte ko lang. To which they agreed.

On the first day-Salon de Ning, Ayala Triangle shoot of our prenup shoot things went rather smooth. Save for the equipment scare we got. *the camera lens got fogged up due to the change in temperature when we left the hotel to shoot at the outdoor location.* But it ended well, team RealityBox even got “effect shots” out of the foggy lens.

see the fog effect on the left photo?! It is not photoshopped! The camera lens fogged up due to the changing temperatures, our photographer used the fog to create the ethereal shot!

The second day-the UST casual shoot, we were caught up with, it coincided with USTET that was a major setback in our shooting and the weather was not really cooperating that time. It runs in extremes: extremely hot and extremely wet. Major headache. Not really the ideal shooting conditions but RealityBox stayed by our side. We went way past out shooting time. –inabot na kami ng gabi. See more of our prenup pictures in this post.

Straight out of a fairytale – UST at night

On both shoots we got a mix of different shooting conditions (indoor, outdoor, lowlight, overcast..etc) and troubles (weather, gear, traffic, crowd control…etc). Team Reality Box overcame all those obstacles and managed to bring out the best outcome possible. –pakiramdam ko na-challenge sila ng bonggang bongga!Sorry Guys! We are really looking forward to the wedding day, knowing that our photography team rocks.

-We also asked them to refrain from posting any photos of our prenup so that it will be a surprise for our guests. Which they did. -ang tagal nilang naghintay ah.

they really waited. this was posted the day after the wedding

As for the wedding day…*I prayed and stayed up all night before the wedding worrying about the next day (wedding day) as it was cloudy/rainy the day before the wedding. But despite all the prayers, you just cannot control mother nature.

It was really pouring that (whole) morning (no make that the whole day)! *sigh* so much for outdoor shots. Again, we made do with what we have dealt with. With a heavy heart, I know that all we are getting are indoor shots. I just hoped for the best. –sa lahat ng araw…my goodness sa kasal ko pa talaga.

*RealityBox came knocking on my door early morning. I was a bit shocked by their number that day. There were 4 photographers, 4 videographers, 1 on site editor, plus 3 assistants. Basically they were 12 persons in their team. Full force.

I was actually feeling down due to the weather but the Reality Box photographers managed to make me smile and even laugh by talking to me (joking around), calmed me down by assisting other wedding suppliers, all the while shooting (posed and candid) pictures. I almost forgot that it was raining like there was a typhoon that day. But we cant do anything about the weather kaya carry on na lang.

our dapper groomsmen

They went on shooting by teams, some were focused on Kei (groom) and another team on me (bride) then the others went to take pictures of the details and also lend out a helping hand to others. They also managed to get a sort of short interview from us that they used in our avp.

Our lovely bridesmaids

On the way to the church, it was still pouring. There was no way to get photos of my entrance. Its either the camera/equipment get wet or no pictures. I was honestly worried for them. In that time, I am okay even if I don’t have photos of that moment as long as I am sure that their cameras are going to be fine. –Cameras are expensive! I mean I should take care of my suppliers the way they take care of me right?! *brides-to-be please take care of your wedding suppliers. Paying them does not give you the right to be bossy or to be insensitive. Also make sure that you have food and time to rest for all of your suppliers and their crew. They get hungry and tired too.

really pouring…OMG! paki ingatan ang camera please.

Even with that difficult situation they still managed to take photos of me and my entrance even if it means their equipment gets wet. –That was a risky move. Pero sinugal talaga nila. Buwis buhay. For that I am grateful.

its time. -ready to walk

Due to the weather, we started late. The ceremony was supposed to be 3:00pm, we started close to 4:00. I was not expecting that half of our guests will not be able to come. But there were a lot of people in the church that got me as a surprise. I was so happy seeing that there are people who came despite the terrible weather that I walked down the aisle greeting everyone with smiles. *Kei told me that I took a long time walking down the aisle. I was more like greeting everyone down the aisle. so much for poise.*

RealityBox in on the move. *see the four photographers?

people still came to be with us!-Thank the heavens!

Despite the delay everything went well.

we are married!

Since we cant go outdoor, RealityBox managed to take wonderful shots of us indoor. Here is one of our group shot.

our entourage

*And off we go to the hotel and get a few more pictures then run off to the reception. Together with half of the photographers.*

By the time we got to the reception, the other half of the RealityBox team were already at the reception venue. -that means no time wasted and more details captured.

reception!

The rain never ceased, but the ballroom was packed! The atmosphere of the event was so warm that was a sharp contrast to the rain outside.

At the reception, we had the usual cake cutting, toast, Chinese reception dinner, a couple’s game, speeches from our bestman and maid of honors, songs, we danced and had three avps (audio visual presentation) from RealityBox. One growing up, the prenup, and the wedding avp. *there was another “bonus” avp that they never got to show due to the time constraints. so technically we have four avps. -Its not an easy feat to create avps. Specially avps that made most of our guests ask us who created them. Safe to say they were impressed.

I only have nice words to say to the RealityBox team- those guys are insanely talented. We love them and they loved us back.

Thank you so much for being with us all throughout the journey.

Our photos are beautiful because RealityBox made them so. Thank you.

*We enjoyed the experience with them so much that we are actually on their wait list for a photoshoot! (yes. we booked them again! that is how much we love them!) See you guys soon!

We clap. -A candid shot of us by RealityBox on as wedding guests on our friends wedding. See, even if this photo was a stolen shot RealityBox managed to make it look absolutely dreamy. In my opinion, the whole photography team of RealityBox deserves an applause.

We give them 6 out of 5! Exceeded our expectations.

As their tagline states ‘romance redefined’-They really did deliver. There is a quality or feeling of mystery, excitement, and remoteness from everyday life that is associated with love. As it is true romance is doing something special or unexpected for someone you love, even though you don’t have to, RealityBox did just that for us.

They weathered the sweltering heat, non-stop rain, unruly crowd and flood plus more. Managed to patiently accompany us despite the not so ideal situations and stuck with us even if at times we were the ones ready to give up. They held on for just one more shot. -Major overtime na kami and yet they never left our side or complained. They were steady and optimistic in every situation.

-If you think that they only did all of that because they were our friends, the answer is a huge fat NO. They climbed up a mountain even if they never did that before, just for a client. Outrageous. I know.

-Most are not aware but RealityBox has an advocacy for Out of School Youths. They share the gospel to OSYs, teach them photography and offer them part time jobs to help OSYs! how is that for paying it back?! Supporting RealityBox also means supporting their ministry!-Told you these guys are awesome.

*All my reviews, opinions, and other stuff expressed here are our own and based on our own experience. This is not a sponsored post, we paid for the photography package from our own pocket.

**I must also say all photos/most photos of my wedding related reviews posted here are taken by RealityBox. That explains why there are so little photos of them, because they are hard at work on that day.

I am actually dreading writing this. Honestly, I have been keeping silent about my wedding dress as I am on the fence.

But then again how do I even start? Shoving all my personal feelings aside I am going to handle this review as objectively as I could muster. No influence by personal feelings, interpretations, or prejudice; based on facts; unbiased. God help me please.

I think I have may spent a quarter of my life dreaming about THE wedding dress. I may be shallow to some that I obsess about it a lot but to me, I have been dreaming of this for the longest time so sorry, I am not sorry!

To me it was going to be the most expensive dress I am going to own. So it better be something I really, really like.

Then again, reality bites. There is the budget to consider, the restrictions. (I wouldn’t want to wear something that would look a lot like my cousin’s dress-long story-she is another bride to be that would have her wedding the month after my wedding). Not exactly the best situation but we got to work around it. She will be having a ruffled skirt so, ruffles is out of the picture for me. Sorry no more dramatic skirt for me.

the red box that holds my wedding dress.

When I found and met Mel Orlina and booked her to be my wedding gown designer I was over the moon. See the post here. I did all the usual stuff a bride to be does. I combed the internet for reviews about her and all of them are glowing reviews. So I am expecting all that I read to be the same experience I was going to have. That’s what I thought back then.

Most of what I wrote on the past post is not really my sentiments anymore I am sad to say. I may be the first to say this but even if the gown designer is talented, there is no replacement for a healthy client-designer relationship. Its about understanding what your client wants and hearing out their requests/ suggestions and ultimately the brainchild of both your ideas will be the finished product.

On the first few meetings it was all about the design. So we started the dress mid of the year June. My initial design was a mermaid gown with dramatic skirt and low back with colored petticoat. –this did not happen, I had to change the design, for the reason above. No dramatic skirt for me.

And design process went until August. By that time I already got three revisions. No more colored petticoat and no more dramatic skirt. What stayed the same was it is a mermaid gown and low back.

sketch my dreams ( you can click on the picture to enlarge)

Here is the second revision (left) and the final design (right). If you look closely you can see the first sketch was hidden by the second revision as she sketched over the initial drawing. All is well. I love what I see.

Lining fitting is the first fitting. The shape of the dress-to-be looks really good.

This is the second fitting. Mel personally pinned out all the embroidery detail on the dress. –you can see her in the middle photo. That is her wearing the orange dress. I am really happy with how it turned out. * she personally pinned my embroidery.

all lines and no floral design, I want it to look modern but at the same time it has to be timeless.

Later on that week, the dress even made it to instagram.

not bad right? I had high hopes!

Next time I went to her shop I was told that there would be beading on my dress. My issues started here-Third fitting.

I remember looking at my dress for the first time and asking Mel, “I thought there will be no pearls”. She assured me that those are opals as there is a note attached to the garment bag that stated no pearls. I took her word for it.

the first time I saw my dress with beads. That would be Kei and Mel holding the dress as I just took a snap. I did not get to fit the dress that day-there were too many people on the shop. I returned next week.

Once home I went on to google the Swarovski opals and pearl beads. I have a hunch that those beads are not opals. I attached the swarovski chart as well as my guess of what they attached. See for yourself.

just to make it clear. (click on the picture to enlarge)

Those in my dress are Swarovski flatback pearl cabochons. Opal flatbacks have facets.

I felt deceived, but giving her the benefit of the doubt. Maybe it was all they had. And also another thought that says, no matter. They should have told you first and be upfront if they cannot accommodate your request. Or maybe demand more payment to accommodate the request; or suggest replacements I mean come on, there are a lot of options!

But the beads are already glued and placed. I would really be a huge pain in the ass had I disapprove of it and get them to replace everything. *I really dislike pearls. sobs.

So I ended up consoling myself that those aren’t really “real” pearls, that I can live with it. So, I did. But I really felt bad that my request was not followed despite the fact that we agreed upon it previously.

And this was the third fitting.

here are the girls as they helped me fitting the dress.

Surely you have to give a closer look at the dress.

no more pins!

I am also feeling that my sleeves are kind of “off”. It falls out of place and moves about… They told me that there is a trick to it using tape. They let me try the dress and used tape to hold it in place. It looks and feels ok, but the slightest perspiration or sudden movement would make the tape useless.

spot the difference

On my fourth fitting, I was yet greeted with another problem. There is a crystal missing from my dress. I caught their attention and they said that it will be fixed. I also asked again about how do I keep the dress’s sleeves in place as they move around when I move and looks loose that is not really flattering to look at.

squint my eyes… where have that sparkly gone?

I went back mid week to check on my dress. (I have a shoot that day near Makati so I went back to check and fit.)- I clearly recall the day was Dec 2, 2015 a wednesday. *I was worried as the wedding day is so near.

the only time I went to fit the dress with make-up on (flowers are props from my shoot)

Again I asked about the missing crystal, as it was still missing.

where art thou?

It was instantly replaced by Mel replaced with a smaller crystal than the rest. (cringe) I was told that it would not be obvious. But the O.C. in me just screamed my head off. See for yourself.

what is the difference? did you see it? -Just a close up photo of the dress laid flat in its box.

I was shocked.What happened to quality?

That time I was stunned and at the same time a bit angry. I decided that I have to solve the falling sleeves issue. I will not risk it and will not be using tape, I wanted a permanent solution not some quick fix that would probably fail. I do not want to have to worry about my split straps moving on the day of the wedding. I asked that they offer me a solution.

And this is what Mel came up with.

is it only me or does it look like a bra strap?

I also pitched in my proposed solution. And these were the result.

make the off shoulder strap run to the back

Admittedly, both options of looked awkward.

go ahead and choose

But, still I don’t want to revert back to the tape solution. So, I insisted on the thick band that was my proposed solution. I went home troubled.

Then proceeded to regret the morning after. Prompting me to email Mel and propose another solution.

Here is my email to her.

a desperate call for help-the next time I see my dress again will be the week of the wedding, I only have the last fitting left.

And my proposed “fix”.

this is exactly the photo I emailed to her

And if you did read my email you can see that at that time, I wrote that I felt pressured to decide at once. I will have to clarify that one.

It’s true that Mel’s shop is packed every time I go there (I took it as a good sign, since there are a lot of clients); everyone has to wait for their turn, get assisted by the girls (shop assistants of Mel) and a real few minutes to talk with Mel. The last part is kind of a grey area. You see you can be talking to her while she is doing something else-at times talking to other brides, potential clients or assisting another bride. Basically, she is busy most of the time, you are very lucky if you got all her attention. Then again, I can only visit her shop on weekends since I can’t go there on weekdays as I have to work. So, I really have to be patient and wait and also try and maximize my time in the shop. I also cannot blame her if everything is rushed, there are a lot of clients and only one of her so it’s but normal that she cannot really zone in to each and every problem/question/fitting. There are days that are ok, there are days that are frustrating and there is also those days that I come out of her shop almost close to crying.

I have also proven that my hunch was right. This is a photo from my last fitting. Those were freaking pearls. – #pearl

Instagram again! and I learned that is really is #pearl – no second guessing. This is proof that what I have on my gown is not opal but pearls.

Just breathe deep and carry on. I had to remind myself that.

Then again, due to the nature of a gown designer’s work…it must be imperative that she be hands-on regarding each and every one of her brides’ needs right? After all you only get married once!

Fast forward to the day of the wedding, my dress looked good. A lot have been complimenting my dress.

the dress in action

For me, I liked that it made me look tall. I am also glad that on some pictures, it looks like soft flowing water.

like soft flowing water

There is also the embellishments that filled out the bodice.

beading

I love my dress. I truly do.

Photo taken on the day of the wedding. – oh wow! I made it again to Mel Orlina’s instagram. I can’t help but notice that I was the only one nameless there . *All the other brides have their names posted along with their picture.

But there is this haunting feeling at the back of my mind that it could have been better, had issues and agreements have been prioritized and more focused communication. After all, you only get to be a bride once; feeling rushed and at times neglected definitely feels downright sad.

Summing it all up.

The dress was okay, they got the job done. I regret the experience.

Mel is sorely lacking in service. It was only the girls in the shop that really made sure that the fittings are comfortable and assisted, thanks and kudos to each one of them. But even if the girls are helping out, it will not replace having the time you get to talk to your designer (about the dress) and your designer explaining the options possible. Having the peace of mind that your designer truly understands what you want. It’s the goal.

But because time was limited and there was also the way everything is rushed and busy at Mel’s shop. It caused me bouts of doubt, anxiety/stress and sadness. That could have been avoided if there were at least a min of 30 mins for focused time for every client, as well as the simple “stick to the plan agreed upon”.

Still, I am thankful to them for making my dress. Not exactly what I wanted but that was it.

Rating 2.5 out of 5. Barely made it.

Heartbreaking for someone who I had high hopes for. Do I recommend them? If you are Makati based and can really monitor your fittings/requests I’d say go check them out if you like them. If you are not from Makati, you better think about it.

**All my reviews, opinions, and other stuff expressed here are my own and based on my own experience. This is not a sponsored post, Kei paid for the wedding dress from his own pocket.

“At the end of the day people won’t remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.”― Maya Angelou

Back when I was in the wedding preparation stage, I had one huge problem.

How was I going to dance when my wedding gown is constricting?!

Obvious Pammy answer: Get a dress made.

My friend from church recommended Aoui Regala.

Yes those are her creations and yes again that is Aoui. (photos taken from her facebook page)

Young,fresh and pretty! Ang friendly pa niya. promise.

I emailed her my peg and waited for a estimate.

Yes, I am aware that both my pegs are black. (left: A dress Carey Mulligan wore, right: A h&m dress) all photos are from the internet

What I want: a sleeveless bateau top with the high-low hem and the train. In blush pink with a bit of beading. Key words are: Structured and simple-nothing over the top with a bit of sparkle.

I set the date for appointment. But unknown to me, the days leading before the appointment Aoui’s daughter has been admitted at the hospital. And it was still unknown what the cause is.

So she is very worried and has to stay with her daughter at the hospital.

The day before the fitting I texted her to confirm and she told me her situation. I was worried for her (I am praying that it is a minor thing, and that her daughter is okay.) and also a bit worried about myself too-with my rigid 6 days a week work schedule, I don’t have much wiggle room in terms of schedule. (Will the dress be done on time?- I contacted Aoui early November and I need the dress before mid December. It’s a very rush job.)

I volunteered to go to the hospital to get measured, so that she wouldn’t have to leave her daughter’s side. But she refused and told me that she will still go to her atelier.

So after a quick hello she got my measurements in less than fifteen minutes.

After a few days Aoui told me that the cause of her daughter’s admission was respiratory tract infection and acute bronchitis.

Acute bronchitis is a clinical syndrome produced by inflammation of the trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles. In children, acute bronchitis usually occurs in association with viral respiratory tract infection. Acute bronchitis is rarely a primary bacterial infection in otherwise healthy children.- from www. medscape.com

And that her daughter is okay and recovering. I was very much relived to know that all is well. As well as gave me updates on the progress of the dress.

On the next fitting, I got to wear the dress and see the embellishments on the dress!

I love my dress!

And they just noted the length of the train I wanted. –they gave out an excess of fabric should I want a longer train…they did not scrimp on fabric. Di nila ako tinipid!

left: that would be me talking to Aoui (pixelated the photo as she was in work mode that day) and right: I am probably doing the chicken dance. lols.

They took the time to ask me if I was comfortable, asked me to move around, sit, wave, spin.. etc. to be sure that the fit was perfect. We even chatted for quite a bit! And best of all they did all these even if I was 30 mins late on my appointment.-I think I was the last client of the day. Di nila ako minadali.

At the last fitting, I just hurriedly fit and claimed the dress. I remember it was raining so hard that day and I was late again. They packed my dress in a waterproof garment bag to help us on our way and I was really, really grateful that Aoui and her team thought of that. I got soaked that day but my dress was pristine. Thank heavens.

On the day of the wedding, I did a few “glam” shots with Aoui’s creation. The dress looks beautiful on the photos, and absolutely more stunning in real life.

I danced to Ed Sheeran’s- Thinking out loud and Walk the Moon’s- Shut up and Dance that are both not exactly a slow dance type of song! I did all that arm movements and fancy footwork. Best of all I did not feel constrained and worried that I may bust a seam or any unwanted exposure, the fit was perfect.

The only stolen photo of us dancing to thinking out loud.-all the other photos we have right now is blurry.

And after the dance you can just see that I worked up a sweat and beaming a very much relived and glad-I-made-it smile. And yes that’s Matti by my side.

All smiles! I pulled off the dance! (that would be Matti on the left)

You have been more than my designer but a friend to me Aoui. Thank you so much.

Rating 6 out of 5. (exceeded our expectations) The way Aoui treats clients is like being a friend who cares to listen and does what’s best for you, even if it means that she would not profit that much. She is very thorough and meticulous with her dresses and she does not scrimp on fabric or quality! To her, clients are not just a source of income but also a new connection, a new friend. I like that with her you can feel at ease and be sure that you would look regal in every way!

In my mind I have already made my bouquet pick. Way, way before the wedding.But, I live in the Philippines. So yeah… flowers are subject to availability.

Thankfully, I got most of my requested blooms all thanks to our florist Tita Belen of Florabee who did all the bouquets/boutonnieres/event styling.

*Tita belen was the florist to our friend’s wedding, and they loved what she did so much that they recommended her to us. We already saw how she works. She makes everything look absolutely grand on a budget! And we liked what she does so we booked her a year before our wedding!

It doesn’t really look huge in the photo above… but in reality, my bouquet was huge! (and had a really substantial weight to it! I think it weighs about 2.5 kilos. no joke.) Tita Belen spared no expense in creating my bouquet. *talagang di nila ako tinipid!

To show you the size of my bouquet. Quite huge and heavy too.

I actually wondered why is there million stars in my bouquet? When I specifically told them I dislike baby’s breath. Upon research…apparently, Million Stars and baby’s breath are varieties of Gypsophila! That is why they look similar! Well, I dislike them (baby’s breath) because they have a certain smell. I have also mentioned that to Tita Belen.

So, In replacement to the astilbe filler I requested (that was nowhere to be found), Tita Belen used Million Stars. That is actually a fluffier version of baby’s breath and definitely smells better. So, I am okay with it. Thanks Tita Belen! Gypsophila Means: Innocence, pure of heart.

The last flower got me to google its meaning… The name “lisianthus” actually means “bitter flower,” referring to the taste of the flowers that was used in traditional herbal medicine. Apparently I am carrying medicinal flowers in my bouquet!

Lisianthus means: deep, romantic desire for another – making it perfect for weddings!
Colours: White/Cream, purple, pink, purple/white
Availability: Year-round with some difficulties
Origination: Southern United States, Mexico, Caribbean, and northern South America

Flowergirls got a pomander (ball shaped flower bouquet carried by a ribbon to be held by hand or on the wrist) of peach roses with purple statice plus a floral crown of roses. – The flowers held up beautifully! hindi siya naglagas! No fallouts.

As for the event styling, I was blown away by what Tita Belen gave us.

I requested for low flowers for the aisle (preferably the same height of the pew if possible) and a simple floral arch.

And this is what she gave us.

the floral arch

Does it look simple to you? I was absolutely stoked. She also placed a lot of flowers on the altar. -sorry no good quality shot as of the moment.

But the icing on the cake was the reception.

richly decorated with flowers!

As I had a peek on the ballroom, I cannot believe that it was my event. Tita Belen exceeded my expectations!

Our agreement was, the flowers used at the church be used again at the reception to get our money’s worth as well as to back up the free flowers from the hotel that is included in our wedding reception package. And also place some drapes as backdrop of the bridal table.

She surprised us by giving more than what we agreed and paid for, she decorated everything! When asked about it she just smiled and said, it is her wedding gift to us. Thanks so much Tita Belen!

Rating 6 out of 5. (really exceeded our expectations) She knows her flowers well and her price is also affordable! I say get Tita Belen as your florist and you will not regret it!

*Mention that you are a reader of Pam & Erickson’s blog to her and she would be sure to give a good price.

**All my reviews, opinions, and other stuff expressed here are our own and based on our own experience. This is not a sponsored post, we paid for the flowers from our own pocket.

Surely you have seen the prenup shots. I also wrote about the HMUA for prenup day one and my wedding. Now, I am going to write about the prenup day two HMUA. And right now I am apologizing for the lack of photos.

Since my prenup consists of two days of different shoots, I have to look for a hair and makeup artist to be with us on day two of the shoot that is at UST – University of Santo Tomas. I asked my friends for recommendations and Katchie’s name popped up on the list of recommended artists.

I called to inquire and book. Judging from the conversation we had, I am going to hit it off with her. So I booked the date. And just my luck… the shoot date happened to coincide with the yearly USTET (that we were caught by surprise), plus the normal ROTC sunday (this was expected).

*UST – easily agrees to shoots on Sundays, because there are no classes on Sundays. It is where we graduated college and it is one of the most photogenic universities in Asia. – You can also see the photo below on my prenup post.

Katchie Mejias has a very catchy name (easy recall) and I am very grateful to her not only because she did my hair and makeup in the hot and humid UST grandstand cr (fellow Thomasians would know that cr is like a huge sauna) with a bunch of female ROTC cadets and only one electric outlet that was mounted in the ceiling. Kind of mission impossible/against all odds but Katchie pulled it off. Flawlessly.

Katchie – photo from Katchie’s instagram

Well, it doesn’t come as a surprise because Katchie is Mega’s Top Fashion Crew winner (MFC1 season 1 winner-hairstyling category), and if that is not impressive enough She also Mastered with Val Garland, handles a ton of magazine shoots and also does Special fx& Prosthetics. *She is also makeup artist of brands like mac and loreal…etc. and she also does Yeng Constantino’s hair & Makeup! – because we love Yeng Constantino.

I haven’t been able to talk to her that much and due to the heat and time constraints. We got her lunch and I left her at the Alfredo M. Velayo Building (in the middle) of UST and went on to Beato Angelico (the Architecture/Fine Arts bldg. corner of P.Noval and Espana), Run off to the fountains and back to main bldg, where I found her patiently waiting for me. Then hurriedly creating another look and then wait again. I really felt bad for her, ang init ng araw nun (it was really hot and humid that day!). She is also carrying her traincase of makeup and stuff.

the traincase of purple brushes – photo from Katchie’s instagram

And because everything is always hurried, she dropped her phone! (the screen cracked) I could see the shock in her face. Honestly, If I were in her shoes that day, I would have thrown a fit and hurriedly go away. But even so, she soldiered on with me.

After the intense heat, it rained. She was still waiting for me, this time at the pavilion near UST gym. As she created my last look and took pictures of me. I really felt sad and kept on saying sorry over and over again. She even gave me a can of hairspray to help me get though the shoot.

Despite the sweltering heat and the unfavorable/unfair condition, Katchie managed to create these looks for me.

Making me look fresh inspite of the weather is not an easy feat.

After 3 looks, and I did not keep count of the retouch… she left. I looked good but I felt awful. Again I am sorry Katchie.

Summing it all up, I have witnessed professionalism at its finest. The amount of skill and heart in doing makeup is no joke. Katchie, we are forever grateful. Thank you.

I give Katchie 5 out of 5! Professional, patient and kind with the skills to match, she is also very helpful and friendly. She is good at delivering clear skin with a youthful vibe kind of look that feels lightweight.

*All my reviews, opinions, and other stuff expressed here are our own and based on our own experience. This is not a sponsored post, we paid for the make up services from our own pocket.

**No. not giving her the 5 out of 5 just because I felt sorry for her. Katchie really have the skills to boot. See her works here.

*So, since I will be catching up on all wedding related posts. Expect the next ten posts (or more) to be about the wedding.

I’m going to talk about the quest for my HMUA- Hair and make up artist. Warning: text heavy with a lot of pictures at the end ok?!

Being the obsessive compulsive girl that I am, I pored over thick stacks of wedding magazines (namely Wedding Essentials, I have been reading since 2013) and appreciated the works of this one HMUA (that is Krist Bansuelo). But I believed that it would be out of my budget to get Krist, beacuse for one, I am not a celebrity (most of his clients are), Krist is one of the most sought after makeup artists in the Philippines (top notch) and I don’t have the funds (or so I thought).

I wasn’t kidding when I tell you that Krist does celebrities. That is Toni Gonzaga (on her wedding day) in the top left! and the bottom right with the heart icon would be yours truly. (taken from Krist’s instagram account.)

Again, I scoured the internet to look for a HMUA that I think is within my budget and does the look I want. *I wanted bigger dramatic eyes as I am Chinese, and that natural glowing skin. I preferred someone who understands small eyes, and what better than to find a HMUA with eyes like mine too?! So I looked for a Chinese HMUA and promptly found one that I will hide (in an initial) Miss C. So, I asked for her rates and contact details via facebook (where I found her along with photos of her dramatic before and after transform-ative magic). I thought her rates is quite steep but if she delivers why not?! I wanted to book her asap.

Miss C. Doesn’t want to accept my reservation saying that I was too early. (It was mid 2014, I was booking for 2015) She had a point. And told me that I get back at her again by early January 2015 as she was busy with a beauty pageant that time. So, January 2015 rolled around… Again I messaged her (this was as early as January 2) to save my date and asked for her bank details so I can make a reservation. I got a curt reply from Miss C saying she was already booked and if I still wanted to avail of her services, she would double book me with the other bride but I cannot pick my schedule, I will be made up by 5am so that she can still go to the other bride’s preps. My wedding is 3pm if I did get my makeup done by 5am, most of the makeup would have faded off by 3pm. That leaves me with no choice but to decline. I told all my friends about what happened and we sort of had a theory that she was picking clients based on financial ability. (pera, pera lang ang labanan.) It is the moneyed one that she will cater to. *want to know who this Miss C. is?! leave me a private message.*

Feeling thrown off from the planning and hopelessly lost, as most of the top wedding HMUAs are booked a year in advance! Then I cried (buckets at that) and humbly asked for help from my friends. They told me to go for my top pick (which is Krist) who knows maybe it is the one for me. That was the time I had the guts to actually message Krist and ask for the wedding rates offered.

I got a reply within minutes and also a condition. Krist will only agree to be my makeup artist if and only if I go for a (paid) trial makeup session. To which I agreed immediately! Because it is only logical and practical to see and experience the HMUA’s work before committing to a agreement. I also thank God that Krist has no commitments on my wedding day as schedule can be quite a difficult problem to solve.

Krist gave out a reasonable quote. (I was shocked to know that I can actually get Krist to be my HMUA!) And there was no air of haughtiness or pretensions just a simple, professional and honest response when we got to talk to Krist on the phone. So, I explained to Krist that I will be using the trial session for my prenup or pre-wedding photoshoot. To which Krist agreed and we set the date for the trial and a pencil booking of my wedding date.

So my prenup date came and off I went to see Krist. In my excitement I came quite early and Krist had just woken up, but still friendly and professional. I calmed down and all the unease left me in an instant with his jokes and encouraging words. I was even given lemonade!

here I am in Krist’s make up chair! I have butterflies in my tummy so pardon the face.

After a few strokes of the brush and some curling iron magic later…

sitting still while feeling gorgeous is hard work! I want to flash a huge smile!

et viola! Just the look that I was going for!

pretty? achieved! All thanks to my glam team!

Surely you also have to see the some of the close up shots from our prenup/prewedding photos to better appreciate Krist’s work.

The make up made my skin look real smooth. (One of the shots taken indoor) – Credits to Reality Box

Still looking good! (one of the outdoor shot) – Credits to Reality Box

It is a sealed deal, Krist will be doing my wedding makeup and I felt glad. I have one awesome HMUA! A kind one at that.

On the day of the wedding, it was pouring. I was very much nervous and also a bit sad. There would be no outdoor photos, what if the streets are flooded?, maybe my suppliers will be late, my guests would have probably stayed at home… and all those negative thoughts associated with the “close to stormy” weather.

*I was told that rain in wedding is a blessing, over and over by a lot of different people. Not really sure if they just say that as mock consolation offered as a temporary relief, or there is such a thing. Any thoughts on this?

and the magic begins! – credits to RealityBox

But Krist arrived early! We chatted for a bit (they calmed me down by getting me to laugh) and got down to business. Krist gave me the dramatic eyes I requested and the glam team thought it was best to make my hair in a side-swept bun (due to the weather *sighs*) insted of our original idea of a side-swept ponytail (the damp weather would make the hair limp).

so here is the result of Krist’s transformative magic! A better look at my hair. Hair by Rikka Villarey.

Look at my hair!

There are stubborn locks of hair that kept peeking out from the pins, and the glam team patiently kept on tucking the strands again and again to create a neat bun. Krist and the team assisted me all throughout! -from the getting ready pictures up until I am ready to leave the hotel. I am grateful for the time they gave me, they stayed way past the time I paid for. Stellar service.

Here is how I look like all made up!

Yes, Krist posted a photo of me on instagram. I feel like a celebrity! squeals!

And here is another photo from Krist that shows my hair bun!

neatly tucked hair and the look from the back (photo from Krist’s instagram)

And up until the time I am to leave the hotel to go to church, Krist was there by my side.

the final touch and off I go.

My make up can withstand crying. Krist said as I prepare to leave.

I told Krist: “Ganda ng makeup ko, hindi ako iiyak, sayang ang ganda ko!” My makeup is gorgeous, I will not cry lest it be ruined, I will not waste it. –Strong statement, but that was before I left.

*I did cry. And yes, my makeup stayed put.

And the veil was put on and off I go. Leaving you with the parting shot from the hotel.

ready for my closeup!

Looking back I can say, the experience was magical.

Thanks Krist. You are a blessing to us.

I give Krist 5 out of 5! – I strongly recommend Krist to brides-to-be. Excellent service, experienced, friendly and professional. It is easy to see why Krist is one of the most sought after makeup artists in the Philippines.

*Oh a quick note: Krist only does traditional make-up.

I also asked about the why? Here is the answer: Airbrush makeup application (when gone wrong) leaves streaks and smears. It is also too thin (because it has air and water) to be used as a foundation for acne, scarring, fine lines, wrinkles, or dry skin. It is so fine, it only works best on almost perfect skin. Airbrush makeup is never to be applied heavily. On the other hand Traditional foundation is more opaque, and has a richer coverage. It is more precise and detailed because it gives the artist control over the final outcome.

**All my reviews, opinions, and other stuff expressed here are our own and based on our own experience. This is not a sponsored post, we paid for the make up services from our own pocket.

I will be honest here, we were actually hesitant to post the pictures before the wedding because we didn’t want to spoil the surprise.

So it is only now. For that I am sorry.

(Of course, I did not post all of them…I just pick out a few to share. * I wouldn’t want to bore you guys.)

All these were shot by the incredibly talented team of photographers and also our friends from RealityBox. They are responsible for all the wonderful photos, despite all the troubles we met (Traffic, rain, angry/really nosy guards, uncooperative mob of people…etc.) looking at the photos, you would never have thought we were faced with obstacles.

~want to know more about RealityBox? I will talk more about them in another post. I still have to let you see my wedding photos. *Winks!

So here are our Prenup/Pre-wedding photos!

We used this photo for our save the date and also for the photobooth!

We veered away from the usual garden prenups, and went for something dark, dramatic and edgy but still romantic because we also got locations that have been a part of our story. Inspired by a mix of Gossip Girl, Wong Kar Wai’s – In the mood for love, and Mafia. Yes we are kind of eclectic.

These were shot at Salon De Ning of Manila Peninsula.

Next are from Ayala Triangle Garden and Makati Stock Exchange. (The place where the proposal happened.)

see the fog effect on the left photo?! It is not photoshopped! The camera lens fogged up due to the changing temperatures, our photographer used the fog to create the ethereal shot!

recreating the proposal

Day one is done! Day two features the picturesque University of Santo Tomas – our Alma mater.

*I am from CFAD, Kei is the one from Arki. – the day of the shoot, outside the beato angelico bldg was teeming with ROTC cadets. So we only have a photo of the Arki signage.

it was drizzling when we shot these

**people could not let us be… besides the ROTC cadets the day of the shoot, we also have to be with all the many UST hopefuls – they came to take the entrance exam that day!!! We went to the Med Bldg area where there is less people to take some more pictures and it rained! So we just took cover and waited till it turned dark.

Straight out of a fairytale – UST at night

Its a wrap! these are the last two shots at UST.

My Makeup artist is Krist Bansuelo for the Salon de Ning, Ayala Triangle and Makati Stock Exchange set of photos. The UST pictures were done by Katchie Mejias. *Yes, my make-up was done by two different makeup artists, because my shoot took two days to complete (due to the different location and concept).

Styling are all done by myself. As for my clothes, you probably know about all my dress adventures in this past post. Of course I had help from my mum, sister, best friend Joanna and my long lost but now found childhood friend Eds. I couldn’t have done it all without them.